Marakkanam Sri Bhoomeeshwarar Temple, Villupuram

Address

Marakkanam,

Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu 604303

Mobile: +91 99439 11879

Moolavar

Sri Bhoomeeshwarar

Amman

Girijambal / Girijambikai

Introduction

Bhoomeeshwarar Temple, a significant Shiva temple, is located in Marakkanam, Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity is Bhoomeeshwarar, and the Goddess is Girijambal/Girijambikai. This ancient temple, dating back over 2000 years, belongs to the Chola period. It is situated on the East Coast Road (ECR) connecting Puducherry and Chennai, making it a key cultural landmark in the region.

Puranic Significance

The temple holds historical and spiritual importance with 47 inscriptions, spanning the reigns of Rajaraja Chola I, Rajendra Chola I, Rajadhiraja Chola I, Kulothunga Chola II and III, and the Vijayanagara dynasty.

Lord Shiva, known here as Bhoomeeshwarar, has been referred to by various names in inscriptions, such as Bhoomeeswarathalwar and Thirubhoomeeswaramudaiya Nayanar. The region was historically known by names like Rajaraja Peralam, Pattinam, Eyil Pattinam, and Kandrathitha Nallur, reflecting its prominence during different dynasties.

A local legend tells of a devotee who unknowingly worshipped Lord Shiva with a “Marakkal” (a measuring vessel). The vessel later became immovable and disappeared, only to reappear on the seashore where the temple was eventually built. The phrase “Marakkal Kaanom” (Marakkal is missing) is believed to have evolved into Marakkanam, the name of the town.

Beliefs

The temple is considered a sacred site for resolving land disputes and seeking blessings for acquiring property. Devotees also worship here for general well-being and prosperity.

Special Features

Temple Structure:
The east-facing temple boasts a Vijayanagara-style mandapam with intricate reliefs. It features Deepastambam, Balipeedam, Dhwaja Sthambam, and a Navakanda Nadukal in front of the sanctum.The sanctum includes a Pathabandha Adhishtanam, housing Lord Bhoomeeshwarar in Lingam form. Around the sanctum walls, Bikshadana, Dakshinamurthy, Vishnu, Brahma, and Durga (with six hands) grace the Koshta niches.
Iconography:
The shrine features Chola-era Dwara Balakas, Utsava Idols, and rare sculptures. A unique Chola masterpiece is the depiction of three women in a dance posture with only four carved legs, yet each appears to have two legs upon individual observation.
Shrine for Mother Girijambal:
The Goddess, in a separate east-facing shrine, blesses devotees with Abhaya Hastha. Unusually, Nandi is present in front of her shrine alongside a Pavai Vilakku.
Other Shrines:
Shrines for Vinayagar, Lord Murugan with Valli & Devasena, and several Shiva Lingas dot the temple’s prakaram. A noteworthy sculpture depicts Vishnu worshipping Shiva, while another highlights the history of Siruthonda Nayanar.
Bhairavar Shrine:
Bhairavar is intricately carved, adorned with tiger skin and human bone ornaments, accompanied by his dog vahana. Twisting serpents adorn his figure, adding to his ferocious depiction.
Theertham:
The temple tank, Brahma Theertham, located to the west, adds to the spiritual aura of the temple.

Festivals

The temple celebrates various festivals, drawing devotees from across the region. Key events include special pujas, abhishekams, and community gatherings.

This has been extracted from,

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2015/12/bhoomeshwarar-temple-marakkanam.html